The end has not been heard about the lingering crisis engulfing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Ahead of its elections into the executive committee of the federation, stakeholders not in the camp of former NFF president, Aminu Maigari, have started lobbying the Sports Minister, Tanmuno Danagogo, to be on the new board.
Dr. Tammy Danagogo
A source close to the secretariat of the National Sports Commission (NSC), where the minister is also the chairman, said some of the antagonists have been besieging the minister’s office to curry the minister’s support for the elections.
“As tradition, it is expected that there will be a government nominee on the board, and that is the slot they are battling for, knowing well that as government nominee, one stands a good chance of emerging as the new president of the NFF,” said our source.
TheNiche further learnt that government is still looking at the names of those to be considered suitable for the NFF board.
However, there are strong indications that the August 26 date set for the elections might not be realistic, following complaints from different quarters over the handling of the process leading to the elections.
The process has drawn complaints and attracted widespread criticisms from members of the Nigeria football family, and there are plans to sort things out before the elections proper.
Some of the complaints border on some people being denied forms for unclear reasons, and some being denied entry into the premises of the federation’s building.
“The litany of complaints and widespread condemnation has been deafening. The best legacy that this team can leave for Nigeria football is a flawless electoral process leading to credible elections,” said NFF Acting President, Mike Umeh, in Abuja.
There have been loud condemnation of the handling of the sale of forms in particular, but Umeh assured that the NFF would not turn a deaf ear to the cries of those genuinely desirous of purchasing forms but who have been unduly denied.
“We will look at the issues arising from the entire process and take a decision that will be in the interest of, not only those bona fide members of the family who have been short-circuited, but also of the system.
“All persons eligible to purchase forms should be able to. It should be a level-playing field for all because we are keen on credible elections that will satisfy the yearnings of Nigerian football fans and make our country proud,” Umeh said.
While General Manager of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, was reportedly marched out of the Glass House (NFF office), former chairman of Kano Pillars, Abba Yola; former vice president of the NFF, Amanze Uchegbulam; and a former board member, Obinna Ogba, were all said to have been denied forms.
But Lagos FA Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi; former chairman of Lagos State Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Frank Ilaboya; former NFF secretary-general, Taiwo Ogunjobi, and Chairman of Giwa FC, Chris Giwa; were however able to beat the submission deadline.
Five members of the current NFF board: Shehu Adamu, Deji Tinubu, Emeka Inyama, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh and Felix Anyansi-Agwu also submitted their forms.
